On the recordOctober 25, 2023
Madam President, as elected Members of Congress, our most important obligation is the safety and security of all Americans. Events here at our southern border and across the globe are putting at risk the safety and security of Americans today. We are appalled by the terrorist attacks Hamas committed against Israel. Those attacks did great harm to the people of Israel and also to American citizens, some of whom are still being held hostage. We support Israel's efforts to secure the release of all of the hostages held by Hamas. That means we also expect the Government of Qatar to do more to bring those hostages safely out of Gaza. I say that because the Government of Qatar hosts the leadership of Hamas. That is where the leadership of Hamas is. I find it remarkable that they are living in Qatar rather than in Gaza. It says a lot; doesn't it? But because they are there, the Government of Qatar is in a position to do a lot more and be helpful in getting these hostages released. We continue to stand--and we will continue to stand--with Israel as it prepares to remove Hamas from power in Gaza, and that is something they must do for their own safety and really for the safety of many other countries, as well, because Hamas is a terrorist organization dedicated to terror. That means killing indiscriminately, and that is exactly what they have been doing and what they are doing.…





